Luxury Louis Vuitton suitcases garnering strong interest in the market
Rare Louis Vuitton Explorer Trunks Fetch High Prices at Auction
In a series of recent auctions, Louis Vuitton's early 20th century Explorer trunks have been selling for impressive sums, underscoring their value as highly sought-after collector's items.
A Rare Find from the 1920s
One such example is a Louis Vuitton trunk that was sold for a hammer price of £130,000 at John Nicholson's auction in June. This rare trunk, dating from the 1920s, showcases the brand's pioneering expertise in trunk making during the peak era of luxury travel by sea and rail.
The trunk, which bore the unique sales number 748929, was missing its paper label and most internal fittings. Despite its worn appearance, it attracted 11 bidders, with the successful buyer attending the sale in person.
A Trunk with History
Another notable sale at John Nicholson's auction was a Courier trunk dating to around 1885-1890. This trunk, with an estimate of £6,000-£8,000, features beige and brown stripes, wooden battens, brass catches, and corner braces riveted to the leather strapwork. Its detailed provenance includes a voyage to South Africa during the Boer War in 1900.
A Later, but Still Valuable, Piece
In contrast to the rare 1920s trunk, another Louis Vuitton Explorer trunk from July's auction was not as rare but still fetched a high price. This trunk, with sales number 42316, had an estimate of £20,000-£30,000 but went on to sell for a hammer price of £72,000.
The interior label of this July-auction trunk had the original Oxford Street address, which was crossed out and replaced with the address in The Strand. This trunk, which was later than the June-sold trunk, was covered in zinc, copper, brass, or aluminum to cope with tropical climates, a common feature in Louis Vuitton trunks of the time.
The Reputation of John Nicholson's Auction House
John Nicholson, the auctioneer, stated that the results of recent Louis Vuitton luggage sales have established their reputation as the saleroom of choice for such pieces. Further consignments of Louis Vuitton luggage are on the way for John Nicholson's auction.
The Evolution of Louis Vuitton Explorer Trunks
Louis Vuitton's early 20th century Explorer trunks represent important early developments in the company's evolution towards durable and elegant travel luggage. The trunks from the late 19th century — the 1890s in particular — showcase Louis Vuitton's pioneering expertise in combining craftsmanship with innovations like lightweight materials and intricate organizational compartments for explorers and adventurers. By the 1920s, the designs had matured with enhanced features tailored for extended exploration and adventure travel.
The Cultural Significance of Louis Vuitton Explorer Trunks
Louis Vuitton continues to celebrate its heritage, as seen in the 2025 Visionary Journeys exhibition in Osaka showcasing a collection of iconic trunks. Such exhibits emphasize the brand's historical role in shaping travel and luxury, enhancing the collectible appeal of Explorer trunks.
In summary, Louis Vuitton Explorer trunks from the circa 1890s and 1920s are rare luxury antiques with prices reaching six figures recently at auction, reflecting their historical significance and desirability among collectors of vintage travel goods and luxury fashion heritage.
[1] John Nicholson's Auction House press release, June 2023. [2] John Nicholson's Auction House press release, July 2023. [3] Louis Vuitton press release, March 2025.
*One might consider the Louis Vuitton trunks as more than just objects of luxury; they are an integral part of fashion-and-beauty history, a testament to the brand's innovative style.
- As home-and-garden items, these Louis Vuitton trunks capitalize the elegance of the past, blending functionality with style, transforming any space into a piece of vintage travel history.
